Stronger Sentences for D.C. Crimes
Official: Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025
This bill increases the minimum sentences for serious crimes in Washington, D.C., aiming to enhance public safety.
Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act This bill establishes and increases mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment for specified crimes in the District of Columbia. First, the bill mandates a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder (currently, the mandatory minimum sentence is 30 years imprisonment and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment without parole). The bill also repeals provisions that prohibit the sentencing of individuals under the age of 18 to life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder. The bill also establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for second-degree murder,10 years imprisonment for kidnapping,25 years imprisonment for first- degree sexual abuse, and25 years imprisonment for rape. Finally, the bill increases the mandatory minimum sentence forfirst-degree burglary from 5 years to 10 years imprisonment, unarmed carjacking from 7 years to 10 years imprisonment, armed carjacking from 15 years to 20 years imprisonment, andrape with a prior conviction of a crime of violence from 7 years to 30 years imprisonment.